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Top 5 Must-Read Dog Books for the Holidays

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Woof Wednesday

Winter is upon us, and that means it’s the perfect weather -- and excuse -- to get under the covers of your bed whilst diving between the covers of a great book. Of course, if you happen to be reading this from the Southern Hemisphere, never fear … summer is the perfect time to lay in a hammock in the shade as you leaf through a great book.

So get comfy with your best canine friend and go on an adventure reading one of these top five must-read books … they also make great gifts for the dog-loving bookworms on your list.

#5 Watchers by Dean Koontz

Watchers begins when birthday boy, Travis Connell, picks up a stray dog, Einstein. Travis immediately realizes the dog is exceptional and extraordinarily smart, but what what he discovers later is that Einstein, along with the nightmarish "The Outsider," is the result of genetic engineering. Soon Travis and Einstein are being hunted by the creature, a professional killer, and the government. Watchers is the perfect book for those who love a good, fast paced, suspenseful read with a dash of horror and a whole lot of thrills.

#4 Marley and Me by John Grogan

Yes, this is the book the film of the same name (starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson) is based on. So, if you enjoyed the movie, you’ll love the book. And if you haven’t seen the movie, don't worry, you’re still going to love this adorable real-life tale of Marley, the world’s most rambunctious Labrador. Marley and Me is particularly perfect for those of us who own and love unruly dogs -- you know, the ones who have loads of personality and are naughty in the best way.

#3 My Dog Skip by Willie Morris

A charming memoir and ode to a beloved pet, My Dog Skip chronicles the life, love, and adventures the young Morris had with Skip throughout his childhood in the 1940s. This magical book is perfect for anyone who wishes to step back in time and relive childhood. The imagery is vivid and the story is one that will linger in your mind for a long time. Just remember to bring tissues!

#2 Dogsbody by Diana Wynne Jones

This delightful, heart-tugging book is one for all ages. Sirius the dog star is wrongfully charged with murdering other luminaries (in this fantasy novel stars and planets have lives we know nothing about), and punished by being placed on Earth in a real dog’s body. He is loved by a girl, Kathleen, and chased by other, rogue stars. Forget Harry Potter and all his fancy spells. If you’re a fan of dogs and fantasy (or even just dogs), then this unique, imaginative book has it all. And it’s especially a joy to get into the whole arena of a dog’s nature versus another beings.

#1 The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith

What list of dog books would be complete without the novel that brought us one of the most popular films of all time, 101 Dalmatians? We all know the story, but the book is deeper and richer and more complex than the film could ever be. What we especially love about The Hundred and One Dalmatians is that it's told from a dog’s point of view, which conveys the spirit of dog. In fact, this classic is not only perfect for the kids, but for you, too -- even the most ardent anti-dog person would be won over by The Hundred and One Dalmatians.

So there you have it, the best five must-read books about dogs. What are you waiting for? Get reading!

Woof! It’s Wednesday.

genetic engineering

The act of altering the way that genes work with the help of science; human intervention with natural genetics

arena

The place where something happens; the area in which certain actions take place.